Fueled by a Passion for the Skilled Trades
Shelby Gustafson at her internship last summer with ACCO Engineered Systems.
Shelby Gustafson is the definition of a trailblazer. This soon-to-be junior at Chico State University is currently studying Construction Management with a focus on mechanical contracting – HVAC, sheet metal, electrical, and plumbing, a decision influenced by the technical aspect of these jobs and the role these fields play in sustainability. Her early exposure to the skilled trades, combined with unwavering faith in herself, is setting her on a path to becoming a leader in the construction industry, which currently comprises just 14% women nationally. As the construction industry continues to evolve, stories like Shelby’s are crucial in encouraging more women to join and thrive in this field.
Interested from an Early Age
From a young age, Shelby Gustafson was captivated by the world of construction. As the second-born daughter, she often found herself working alongside her father. “I was like his apprentice at times,” she recalls, doing chores around the house and going into crawl spaces. Her father recognized her interest and took it upon himself to teach her everything he knew. That exposure was paramount and, as Shelby says, “a window into the construction industry.”
As she moved into high school, she was faced with stereotypes and stigmas about women not belonging in the industry, but she powered forward. She was determined to prove the naysayers wrong, and earn their support. But even if she didn’t get their support, she didn’t care, “at least I would be happy doing what I’m doing,” Gustafson proudly shared. And with that mentality and complete resolve in her abilities, Shelby signed up for every skilled trade elective offered at her high school, where she found a community of support that cemented her confidence that she belonged in the industry.
Skilled Trade Knowledge is Foundational
At Petaluma High School, Shelby excelled. She completed three years of Welding, one year of Ag Mechanics (electrical, plumbing, woodworking and metalworking), a year of Computer Engineering, a year of Architecture, a year of Metal Shop, and two years of Auto Shop. She earned the opportunity to compete on the FFA Ag Mechanics team as the only female on a team of four, taking home the title of Reserve State Champions her senior year. She even spent an entire year in Auto Shop working on a hot rod car, a “big rust bucket,” as she puts it, in charge of installing all the electrical wiring without any diagrams. Talk about hands-on learning. Shelby credits her high school teachers Mr. Dunn, Mr. Benson, and Mr. Jones, along with her family, as vital to her success. “My teachers provided such a supportive environment for me to understand the trades.”
Finding her Woman Role Model
As Shelby was closing out her high school experience, she became interested in the construction management side of the industry and began looking into programs. Given its proximity to home (about a 3 hour drive away) and a construction management program ranked nationally in the top 50, Shelby decided on Chico State University to continue her quest into the industry.
Shelby's time thus far at Chico State has been transformative, marked by both academic and personal growth given her ability to jump head first into new opportunities. On her first day on campus – she decided on the spot that she would join all the construction management clubs, including Chico State Women in Construction (CSWIC). Two weeks later, an officer role of CSWIC opened up, and she took it. Now, she will be Vice President of CSWIC this fall – a role she’s so honored to have as Gustafson furthers CSWIC’s mission to encourage diversity within the construction industry.
A significant factor in Shelby’s success has been the mentorship she’s received from Marie Patterson, the Construction Management Department Chair at Chico State, advisor to CSWIC and the Mechanical Contractors Association student clubs, and Shelby’s ASC mechanical team coach. Marie has been more than just a teacher to Shelby; she has been a guide, an advocate, and an inspiration. Marie’s own journey into the construction industry started at Chico State. After working 20 years in the industry, she’s back at Chico State teaching the next generation and focused on getting underrepresented groups, like women who make up just 14% of the construction labor market nationally, into the industry. Marked by numerous accolades and achievements, including the 2022-23 MCAA Educator of the Year award, she’s providing Shelby with a tangible example of what’s possible. “She’s my main supporter, who’s given me my first woman role model in the industry,” Gustafson beamed.
Patterson has also been the driving force in changing how classes on the skilled trades are being taught at Chico State, making it an interactive experience where you do the physical aspect of the trades, like welding and electrical wiring versus being lectured on it. There are students that didn’t have shop classes in high school. There are women who never got the opportunity to learn and use these skills. Gustafson, in concert with Patterson, has been part of making this class happen, being given the opportunity to share the trades knowledge she’s gained over the years with her peers. “I know my experience in high school was very unique and that it was a privilege.” Shelby wants everyone, especially women, to have an environment to learn the skilled trades. She sees that knowledge as critical in understanding the scope of projects and creating better working relationships between the office and the field.
Driven by a Challenge
Under Patterson’s mentorship, Shelby is focused on a career in mechanical contracting for several reasons: she loves the technical aspect of mechanical construction, as well as the role it plays in sustainability and decarbonizing the built environment. According to the World Green Building Council, almost 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions stem from the built environment: 28% from operational emissions, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction. As we approach the middle of the century, the global building stock is expected to double, and so will those emissions if left unchecked. With the U.S. making commitments for deep decarbonization of the building sector by 2050, this poses a big opportunity and responsibility for the construction industry. Shelby says she’s ready for that challenge: “I want to be a part of making a change in how we use our energy and making buildings more energy efficient. I see the mechanical industry at the forefront of that.”
Looking Ahead
Shelby has a bright future ahead of her. She is returning to an internship this summer with ACCO Engineered Systems and hopes to land a role at a large company upon graduation in May 2026. As of writing this article, she was awarded the first-ever Donald V. Brown, Sr. Memorial Scholarship through the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).
Her advice to the younger generation as they explore these careers: “If you're really interested in how things work or how a building is made, then you should try out the construction industry. And any little thing counts. Doing masonry at home or trying to do a little bit of woodworking, anything is really a window into the industry.” She adds, “I'm not perfect at welding. I'm not perfect at electrical. I've definitely done a lot of trial and error, but just because you're not a natural at something doesn't mean that you should give up and not try it again.”
